JERUSALEM
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to propose to the parliament legislation formally designating Israel "the nation of the Jewish people" – a designation contested by Palestinians and Arabs.
"It is my intention to submit a basic law to the Knesset that would provide a constitutional anchor for Israel's status as the national state of the Jewish people," Netanyahu said in a Thursday speech delivered in Tel Aviv, according to Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot.
"I believe that the most basic component in our life as a nation will receive constitutional status similar to the other main components that are the foundation of our state, as determined in the basic laws," he added.
"I see [the proposed law] as one of my basic missions as prime minister to fortify the state of Israel as the nation-state of our people," Netanyahu was quoted as saying.
Last November, Netanyahu called on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to acknowledge Israel's "Jewish" nature – a longstanding point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
Abbas, however, reiterated his refusal to compromise the longstanding Palestinian stance against recognizing Israel as a "Jewish state."
Last month, Arab foreign ministers at the Arab League likewise reiterated their refusal to recognize Israel as a "Jewish state," going on to blame Israel for undermining the peace process.
Netanyahu suspended last month peace talks with the Palestinians to protest a reconciliation deal between Abbas and the Hamas group in the Gaza Strip.
By Abdel-Raouf Arnaout
englishnews@aa.com.tr
